The best hotels in Ludlow

What are the best hotels in Ludlow?

Tucked between the Shropshire Hills and the rolling countryside of the Welsh Marches, Ludlow is one of those lovely English market towns that's easy to fall for. Think cobbled streets, pretty Georgian houses, a medieval castle and plenty of cosy pubs. There are some lovely places to stay too, from charming country inns and welcoming B&Bs to elegant historic hotels. Our top pick is Old Downton Lodge, a gorgeous country retreat that's particularly special for its luxurious rooms, beautiful setting and award-winning restaurant.

Whether you're a keen foodie, a history lover or just enjoy exploring somewhere pretty, there's loads to keep you busy in Ludlow. Start with Ludlow Castle, right in the heart of town, where you can discover its medieval ruins and enjoy lovely views across the surrounding countryside. Spend some time browsing the independent shops, antique stores and galleries, then head to Castle Square to catch one of the regular markets. Ludlow is also something of a foodie favourite, with excellent restaurants, traditional pubs and cosy cafes around every corner. If you're visiting in September, the famous Ludlow Food Festival is worth planning your trip around. For a change of pace, enjoy a stroll along the River Teme or head out into the Shropshire Hills for some beautiful countryside walks.

Scroll down the page for our full selection of recommended hotels in Ludlow or, for a look at different areas, read our guide to the best places to stay in Shropshire.

The Best Places to Stay in Ludlow

For Foodies

• Old Downton Lodge is an award-winning restaurant with rooms created in a refurbished farmhouse, where the new additions and updates have been expertly blended with the original building with all its quirks and charm. There are nine rooms and suites — the largest have high ceilings and four-poster beds — and all of them have new bathrooms. The restaurant has been awarded 3AA Rosettes and offers both a la carte and tasting menus.

For Romantics

• Dinham Hall Hotel is an imposing townhouse hotel in the centre of town, with 13 rooms and suites: all traditionally, and uniquely, decorated, with antiques to match the high ceilings, sash widows and other original details. The restaurant is very good — competition in Ludlow is high — and you’re close to a farmer’s market, a golf course, and plenty of sightseeing and antique shopping opportunities. Bring your dog too.

For Families

• The Clive Arms is a pretty country inn on the Oakly Park Estate. The pub is bright, cheerful, and more chi-chi than you’re probably expecting, and serves modern British cuisine. The 17 rooms and suites are going for rural charm, with just the right amount of wooly tartan and chintz, a very comfortable family room (which can easily accommodate two adults and two children), and free-standing baths if you fancy one.

For a B&B

• The Graig is a charming stone farmhouse turned five room B&B, in a great location in the Shropshire Hills, just outside Ludlow. The individually imagined rooms all have a country feel, a cosy, pastel palette, and spacious en-suites. Breakfast is a hearty affair, and the owners will pack you a lunch too, if you’re heading out walking.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• If you need to fly into the UK, and Ludlow is your destination you have a choice of airports: East Midlands Airport is about an hour and 45 minutes away by car or taxi; Manchester Airport is just under two hours away by car to taxi, or two hour and 20 minutes by rail; and Bristol Airport is about two hours away by car or taxi, or four hours by public transport. If you’re travelling via London there are trains leaving from Paddington and travelling via Newport (Wales), or trains from Euston via Birmingham, and you’re looking at a three to four hour journey time.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• Ludlow is busiest during horse race meetings, which run between October and May. Summer is a popular time too, with visitors coming in especially for the Shakespeare Festival and the Food Festival. This is a busy time of year for agricultural fairs too, and during the school holidays the National Trust usually put-on special events at their properties — there are a couple of good ones locally. If you’re worried about avoiding wet weather, it’s probably better to just accept that there are rainy days in Ludlow whatever the season — but not too many! Bring your wet weather gear and enjoy!

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Shropshire,
• Explore just beyond Ludlow, to neighbouring towns such as Shrewsbury,
• Or, contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.